Despite the decision to reduce starting pay for new employees, which could potentially lead to labor issues and negatively impact the company's reputation, Walmart's stock price has been on a significant rise. This indicates that investors are more focused on the company's financial performance and growth prospects than on its labor practices. The stock's upward trend since November 2015, along with its resilience in the face of market volatility, suggests that it is likely to continue performing well in the short term.